// Workers AI · dad joke modeWho's Fannie Masemola? Fan-nie one know?
Fannie Masemola | |
|---|---|
 Masemola in 2024 | |
| National Commissioner of the South African Police Service | |
Suspended | |
| In office 31 March 2022 – 23 April 2026 | |
| President | Cyril Ramaphosa |
| Preceded by | Khehla John Sitole |
| Succeeded by | Puleng Dimpane (Acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1964 (age 61–62) |
| Education | Diploma in Policing Higher Diploma in Policing Master's in Public Management |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | South Africa |
| Branch/service | South African Police Service |
Years of service | 1987–2026 |
| Rank | General Commissioner |
Sehlahle Fannie Masemola (born 1964) is a South African police officer who served as the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service from 2022 until his suspension in April 2026.[1][2]
Early life
[edit]Sehlahle Fannie Masemola was born in 1964 in Groblersdal in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Masemola grew up in a family of policemen and was fascinated by the law enforcement profession from a young age.[3] In 1987 he joined the South African Police Services.[4]
Education and career
[edit]Masemola has both a Diploma and a Higher Diploma in Policing and as well as a Masters in Public Management. He served 10 years in KwaZulu-Natal where he was also the Deputy Provincial Commissioner, at the rank of Major General, in charge of operations before he was transferred to Pretoria in 2010 as the Acting Divisional Commissioner of Protection and Security Services. He remained a Major General until October 2010 when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General to head the Division, Protection and Security Services.[3][5][6]
Corruption
[edit]In August 2025, it was reported that Masemola faced arrest over allegations of corruption.[7] Masemola is alleged to have abused slush funds from the secret service account of crime intelligence and purchased two properties in Pretoria (Veroz Boutique Hotel) and Midrand (Kyalami Lodge) without adhering to proper procedures.[8] One of Masemola's accomplices, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo who heads crime intelligence, has been arrested for fraud and corruption related to the purchase of a boutique hotel in Pretoria North, reportedly acquired for R22.7 million and a commercial building in Durban, valued at R22.8m million[9][10] The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption denied that any warrant for his arrest had been issued, calling the reports unfounded, and emphasized that these allegations remain unproven in court.[11]
In September 2025, Masemola suspended his deputy, Shadrack Sibiya, over allegations by Kwazulu Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that Sibiya tried to disband the task team investigating political assassinations in the province.[12] Masemola also appeared in front of Madlanga Commission to give evidence into the allegations that the police were working with and protecting criminals. He accused suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of exceeding his constitutional mandate by ordering the immediate disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in 2024.[13]
In April 2026, suspended Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Daphney Manamela hosted a media briefing in Mbombela and accused football administrator and businessman Bobby Motaung of giving a bribe totaling 5 million rand to Masemola.[14][15] This was for the murder case of Jimmy Mohlala, who blew the whistle on the construction of the Mbombela Stadium, where Motaung had interests.[16]
Medicare24 Tender Scandal
[edit]In April 2024, a R 360 million contract was awarded to Vusimuzi Matlala's Medicare24 company to provide medical services within the Tshwane District. The contract was cancelled by Masemola in May 2025 after an audit report found irregularities.[17]
In November 2025, Brown Mogotsi testified at the Madlanga Commission that Masemola allegedly received R7 million rand from Vusimuzi Matlala after he got the police tender worth R360 million rand.[18] In March 2026, Masemola was served with a warrant to appear on April 21, 2026 for his role in the awarding and approving of the tender.[19] Masemola appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on April 21, 2026, facing four charges under the Public Finance Management Act.[20] Twelve police officials, three company directors, and Matlala were also charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to the procurement of the police healthcare contract.[19]
Masemola did not enter a plea and the case was postponed to May 13, 2026, when all co-accused are scheduled to appear together in court.[21] Masemola has denied the allegations.[2]
Suspension
[edit]On April 23, 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Masemola on precautionary suspension, making him the fourth permanent head of the South African Police Service to be removed or suspended before completing a term in office.[22] Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane, currently the CFO for the SAPS, was appointed as acting national police commissioner.[21]
In his address, Ramaphosa stated: "In consideration of the seriousness of these charges and the critical role that the national commissioner of police plays in leading the fight against crime, I have agreed with Gen Masemola that he be on precautionary suspension pending the conclusion of the case."[22]
References
[edit]- ↑ Beisheim, Dane (31 March 2022). "Fannie Masemola appointed as new police commissioner". OFM. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 Zane, Damian (23 April 2026). "Fannie Masemola: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa suspends police chief". BBC Home. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 "SA's new police commissioner: What you need to know about top cop General Fannie Masemola". The Citizen. 2022-04-01. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ↑ "Mkhwanazi Inquiry: General Masemola". PMG. 9 October 2025. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
I joined the police back in 1987
- ↑ "Appointment of Deputy National Commissioner Operations". South African Government. Retrieved 2025-09-03.
- ↑ Koko, Khaya (31 March 2022). "How Masemola became police commissioner". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 28 April 2026.
- ↑ Mashego, Abram. "The case against Masemola: SAPS boss and 4 top cops in firing line". News24. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ↑ Manyane, Manyane (2025-07-27). "Investigation reveals National Police Commissioner Masemola's questionable financial dealings". IOL. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ↑ Manyane, Manyane (2025-08-09). "Fannie Masemola, police commissioner, reportedly faces arrest for corruption". IOL. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ↑ "SAPS leadership shaken as Masemola breaks silence on Mkhwanazi allegations and crime intelligence arrests". protectionweb.co.za. 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-09-05.
- ↑ "Unfounded Media Reports on a Warrant of Arrest Against the National Police Commissioner". www.npa.gov.za. Retrieved 2025-09-11.
- ↑ Moichela, Kamogelo (2025-09-14). "Fannie Masemola suspends deputy Shadrack Sibiya amid KZN task team scandal". IOL. Retrieved 2025-09-14.
- ↑ Moichela, Kamogelo (22 September 2025). "Masemola accuses Senzo Mchunu of 'total encroachment' over task team disbandment". IOL. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ "Suspended Mpumalanga SAPS Commissioner makes damning allegations against top officials". SABC News. 19 April 2026. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ "Manamela makes explosive claims against Masemola, Cele". Jacaranda FM. Retrieved 2026-04-20.
- ↑ "'I was removed to protect corrupt cops,' suspended Mpumalanga commissioner claims". TimesLIVE. 2026-04-19. Retrieved 2026-04-20.
- ↑ Kypri, Dianne (21 April 2026). "Police commissioner Fannie Masemola added to corruption case State vs Matlala and 15 Others". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ "Matlala paid Cele, Masemola R7m from the R360m SAPS tender: Mogotsi". Sowetan. 2025-11-18. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- 1 2 Sicetsha, Andile (21 April 2026). "Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola makes first court appearance in R360 million SAPS tender scandal". Swisher Post. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ Dube, Mpho (21 April 2026). "POLICE BOSS IN THE DOCK AS REPUBLIC REELS: MASEMOLA CHARGED, CAMERON DEMANDS SUSPENSION". The Azanian. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 Seokwang, Lesego (23 April 2026). "Ramaphosa suspends SA police commissioner Fannie Masemola". The Citizen. Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- 1 2 Maeko, Thando; Schrieber, Sinesipho; Omarjee, Hajra; Roos, Tara (23 April 2026). "Dimpane takes up baton as top cop is suspended". Business Day. Retrieved 24 April 2026.